Categories > December 2018

MLA Swann and the Alberta Liberals believe in accountable Government. Access to information is deteriorating under the NDP. That is why we’re making our letter to the OIPC public. Albertans have a right to know what their Government is doing.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and Liberal MLA Dr. David Swann are relieved the Government and Alberta Health Services are finally implementing a series of Liberal solutions to improve EMS service for all Albertans. But more needs to be done.

Khan stated, “On Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, Alberta Liberals recommended that Paramedics be hired and placed in emergency rooms to facilitate patient transfers. We also suggested the community paramedic program be expanded. Now, in December, the Government and AHS have finally decided to hire 100 paramedics for that very purpose. Albertans were being forced to wait an hour or more in ER hallways due to system problems. AHS also addressed our concern to increase supports for the mental health of paramedics suffering from stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, overwork, and low moral. It’s about time.”

Swann stated, “We provided constructive solutions to AHS after spending months researching this problem and consulting with health practitioners and the community. Liberal pressure finally forced them to act. Alberta Liberal data concluded paramedics spent 653,000 hours—135,000 hours of costly overtime—waiting for patient transfers in a year. That was wasteful and compromised response times. There were on average 35 “Red Alerts” (when there are no available EMS crews to respond to the volume of 911 calls) per month across Alberta. That compromised patient safety. That is unacceptable to Albertans.”

Khan added, “Alberta Liberals set up an EMS Hotline on July 19 for Albertans and healthcare workers to call confidentially and express their concerns with the current service. Health Minister Sarah Hoffman criticized the Liberals as being “irresponsible”—in her words—for giving Albertans an opportunity to inform the NDP Government about the EMS crisis. AHS employees told us they didn’t feel safe expressing their concerns through normal channels. Minister Hoffman apparently needed almost five months to assess the problem and respond. We think we did what was right and necessary for Albertans. We wish the NDP wasn’t so slow to address their concerns.”

Khan continued, “We have more suggestions that could be adopted. Paramedics identified misuse of ERs by the public as a major issue. AHS needs to raise public awareness about when and when not to use ERs. We need to maximise the use of advanced technology and create streamlined handover procedures to boost efficiencies.

“The overarching issue is reducing access block in our hospitals by providing more community and continuing care. These need to be a long term priority.

“We are pleased that some our solutions have been adopted. But we will be pushing for more changes and improvements. Albertans deserve the best EMS service.”

Khan stated, “We congratulate Prime Minister Trudeau for his willingness to consider funding Alberta rail car purchases to boost oil shipments to international markets. We are also pleased that he will look at temporarily extending employment insurance (“EI”) benefits for laid-off Alberta workers. These two measures will help Albertans enjoy a Merry Christmas.

“Alberta’s energy sector has been hit hard. Albertans need help. The oil price differential and new mandated production cuts could lead to more layoffs, with Alberta’s GDP growth predicted to be slashed by up to 50% next year. Calgary’s unemployment rate is already a staggering 8.4%. We must do all we can to help our workers through this troubling time. The Federal Liberal Government will deliver that help, and we appreciate that effort.

“The proposal to purchase more rail cars could move 120,000 barrels of Alberta oil to ease pipeline bottlenecks. That increased daily volume will access higher world oil prices which will provide more revenue to pay for social programs in Alberta. It is a medium-term solution, and not a replacement for the Trans Mountain expansion, but it is a step in the right direction.

“The enhanced EI benefits will assist Albertans who lost their jobs due to the oil price crisis. It could mean extra benefits and reduce requirements to qualify for these benefits. The benefits boost is needed by Albertans struggling during this economic downturn.”

Swann stated, “Alberta Liberals first called on the Federal Government to reinstate enhanced EI benefits on Sunday, Dec. 2. I renewed our call in Question Period in the Alberta Legislature on Tuesday, Dec. 4. On Wednesday, Dec. 5, we called on Premier Notley to deliver our message to the Prime Minister personally at the First Ministers’ Meeting this weekend.”

Khan added, “In 2016, the Federal Government provided enhanced employment insurance benefits to unemployed Albertans. It extended EI benefits for unemployed workers for an additional five to 20 weeks, decreased wait times by 50%, and reduced eligibility requirements from 910 hours of insured employment to as little as 420 hours. It’s time for them to do so again. We’re asking the NDP Government to join with us in demanding this action. Prime Minister Trudeau must move faster than he did 3 years ago.

Khan stated, “Alberta Liberals welcome the Premier’s confirmation of a Provincial Election in the Spring of 2019. We are gearing up our efforts to rollout a vigorous campaign in the coming months. Albertans will finally have a chance to exercise their choice on the future of this Province.

“The NDP have been a failed progressive government that did not deliver to Albertans on key issues such as protecting vulnerable Albertans, reducing classroom sizes, protecting our precious environment, paying down the massive debt, and keeping unregulated dark money out of our political system. They failed to introduce gender pay equity legislation, implement the recommendations of the “Valuing Mental Health” report or provide access to MAID services for all Albertans.

“The UCP will gut our social safety net with slash-and-burn spending cuts. They will destroy hard-fought gains for equality, inclusion and tolerance in Alberta. They courted Political Action Committee (“PAC”) money to undermine democracy that will disenfranchise Albertans. They want to turn back the clock to the 1960s.

“Alberta Liberals are a forward-thinking, progressive party. We will spend more wisely, not just spend more, like previous governments. We will invest in healthcare and education. We will protect vulnerable Albertans. We will safeguard our precious environment. We are not beholden to big unions or corporations. We will put Albertans first.

“Alberta Liberals will work hard to improve the quality of life for all Albertans. We look forward to the 2019 Provincial Election.”

Swann stated, “I will be working vigorously to help elect Liberal MLAs across this province in this upcoming election.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and MLA David Swann issue the following statement on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Swann stated, “On December 6, 1989, 13 female students and a female administrator at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were murdered because they were women.

“Twenty-nine years later, Canada continues to feel the effects of this attack. Women are still targets of abuse and violence because of their gender.”

Khan stated, “We celebrate the of tearing down of patriarchal values and institutions that treat women unfairly. That is real progress. But, we must also guard against aggressive, misogynistic worldviews. They are pushing back, sometimes violently. This hate poses great risk to all people.

“We must continue to make progress on gender equality issues. We must prevent all forms of violence against women.

“Alberta Liberals are advocating for more women’s shelters funding. 16,722 women, children and seniors were turned away last year. That cannot continue. We believe there should be greater focus on the root causes of violence against women.

“Let’s work together on these challenges. Let’s improve quality of life for all people.”

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and MLA David Swann are asking Premier Rachel Notley to join with them and call for the Prime Minister to reinstate extended federal EI benefits at the First Ministers’ Meeting.

Khan stated, “The Prime Minister must do more than just talk about the oil price differential crisis. He must understand its impact on Alberta jobs. We want him to reinstate extended federal EI benefits. We want Premier Notley to strongly deliver our message this week. Albertans do not want more words. Albertans want action.

Khan stated, “We know Albertans want to work. But if they can’t get a job, they need help. The oil price differential and new mandated production cuts could lead to more layoffs. Calgary’s unemployment rate is already a staggering 8.4%. We must do all we can to help them through this troubling time.

“Bank of Montreal’s economists forecast the oil production cuts will have a harsh effect on Alberta’s economy. They estimate Alberta’s 2019 GDP annualized growth may be cut in half from 2.4% to 1.2%. TD Bank’s economists echo those forecasts, predicting Alberta’s GDP growth could fall to as low as 1.1% from 2.3% next year. Those are serious hits to Alberta’s economy. They will hurt Albertans.

“In 2016, the Federal Government provided enhanced employment insurance benefits to unemployed Albertans. It extended EI benefits for unemployed workers for an additional five to 20 weeks, decreased wait times by 50%, and reduced eligibility requirements from 910 hours of insured employment to as little as 420 hours. It’s time for them to do so again. We’re asking the NDP Government to join with us in demanding this action. Prime Minister Trudeau must move faster than he did 3 years ago.”

Swann stated, “The Federal Government must do much more to relieve the economic pain being endured by Albertans. They have been struggling in the wake of this price differential crisis. It is my hope Premier Notley will join us in demanding this necessary measure when she meets with the Prime Minister this week.”

Alberta Liberals support the Government’s temporary oil production cuts as an emergency intervention to bolster prices. But, we also have concerns about execution and unintended consequences. There could be negative impacts on jobs.

The Prime Minister and the Federal government must step up with action, not more rhetoric. Albertans need help now.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and MLA David Swann issue the following statement in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

Khan stated, “Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we work to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life and to promote their rights and wellbeing.”

Swann stated, “This year’s theme is “empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.” It is about focusing on how we can lift persons with disabilities up and ensure they have equality of opportunity in society.”

Khan added, “Alberta Liberals will continue to do all we can to be allies to persons with disabilities community. We will fight, for example, for further increases to AISH and more supports for students with extra needs in the classroom.”

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and Liberal MLA David Swann stand with all Albertans on the Government’s plan to mandate reduced oil production.

Khan stated, “Alberta Liberals are calling on all Albertans to work together to solve our oil price crisis. This is not the time for finger pointing or the blame game. The Government’s proposal is not a silver bullet solution. But, it does point this Province in the right direction for price recovery.”

Swann stated, “We support any efforts that could help Alberta. We support getting the best price for our resource. We still have concerns about execution and unintended consequences of the oil price recovery plan. The Government has assured us that there will be no significant legal or trade challenges to this plan. We hope this is the case.”

Khan added, “There are no guarantees there won’t be more layoffs. We call on the Federal Government to reinstate enhanced employment benefits for oilpatch workers still losing their jobs. We must do all we can to protect Albertans from additional economic pain.

“This is a short-term strategy for price recovery. The long-term strategy is to build the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion. Alberta Liberals urge the Federal Government to properly consult with First Nations. Their concerns must be accommodated as needed. The same applies to marine shipping issues. We want this pipeline approved and built.

“Albertans must stand strong together. We are hardworking and resilient. We will get through this crisis.”